Justice News

Trio Charged In Four Armed Robberies In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Mikel Smith, 25, Curtis Cotton, 47, and Wesley Thomas, 36, all of Philadelphia, PA, were charged today by indictment with four robberies which interfered with interstate commerce and related firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, the defendants robbed Grace Mini Market, at 2339 W. Somerset Street, Philadelphia, on February 3, 2015; Nunez Grocery, at 617 W. York Street, Philadelphia, on February 3, 2015; New Almonte Mini Market, located at 2001 W. Spencer Street, Philadelphia, on February 4, 2015; and Rodriguez Deli, at 5766 Colgate Street, Philadelphia, on February 5, 2015. It is further alleged that in each robbery, the defendants brandished a handgun. Smith is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

If convicted of the charges, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentenced of 82 years in prison with a maximum sentence of life, up to five years of supervised release, a possible fine, an $800 special assessment, and restitution.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ewald Zittlau.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.